Olympic Athletes Expected to Race Subaru Western Triathlon Series Events to Prepare for London 2012

Also for the First Time, Amateur Participants Can Qualify for World Events in All Five Races

Victoria, BC (ISN) – London 2012 Olympic triathlon hopeful and former Series champion Brent McMahon was on hand to help the Subaru Western Triathlon Series announce the exciting new features of the 2012 Series today at the Saunders Subaru dealership.

The Series races have become a stepping-stone for talented up-and-coming athletes, as well as the prep events of choice for top elites. Over 40 Olympic athletes have competed in Series events over the past five years, including gold medallists Simon Whitfield, the Mens Eight’s rowers, and even winter Olympians such as Ashleigh McIvor. The Series is expected to draw several Olympians this season, as they use the races to tune up for the 2012 London Olympics this summer.

“The Series events have been key races for me, and the incredible support of all the sponsors of these events have helped get me to where I am today,” said McMahon.

Other elite athletes in attendance included triathlete and Series Podium finisher Janet Nielsen, Saunders Subaru Victoria Half-Iron champion Adam O’Meara and national champion and Series podium finisher Lucy Smith. Five-time gold medal World Champion and London 2012 Olympic triathlon hopeful Paula Findlay was not able to attend the press conference, but is expected to race in the Series as she prepares for the Olympics this summer.

Series Director Paul Regensburg announced some of the exciting new features for the 2012 season, which include a new run course over the Kinsol Trestle and a Triathlon Festival in Shawnigan Lake Village at the Subaru Shawnigan Lake Triathlon on May 27th; a new Olympic distance and bigger Saunders Family Walk event at the Saunders Subaru Victoria Triathlon on June 17th; a new Olympic distance at the popular Subaru Vancouver Triathlon on July 8th; a new pre-race dinner event at the Prestige Oceanfront Resort and the return of TSN to the Subaru Sooke Triathlon on August 12th; and a new bike transition right down the middle of famous Banff Avenue for the Subaru Banff Triathlon on September 8th.

Regensburg also announced that that this year, for the first time ever, even amateur and recreational triathletes can use the Series as their ticket to represent Canada in races all over the world, in places such as France and London: World Championship Qualifying Spots will be available in four of the Series events, as well as Qualifying Spots for Ironman Canada at the Saunders Subaru Victoria Triathlon. The Series is one of the only local sporting events where amateur participants can compete alongside Olympians, and qualify for a chance to represent their country on the world stage.

For information on the Subaru Western Triathlon Series, please visit www.triseries.ca

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